By The National Council of Catholic Women
Adopted at the 2011 NCCW Convention
Whereas Pope John Paul II called us to build a “culture of life” that cannot be achieved if we condone a “culture of violence” by sanctioned killing, and because t
he imposition of the death penalty deprives human beings of their God-given dignity and denies the sacredness of life; and
Whereas the death penalty has not been an effective crime deterrent, has been applied in a discriminatory manner, creates a risk of executing the innocent; and
Whereas punishment for crime, in addition to protecting public safety, should allow capital offenders the opportunity for reform and repentance for their actions;
Be it resolved that the NCCW educate the faithful about Church teaching on the death penalty and using the resources promulgated by the USCCB Campaign and the Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty;
Be it resolved that NCCW affiliates work in their states to end use of the death penalty and advocate for a sentence of a life in prison without possibility of parole as punishment for capital offenders; and
Be it resolved that the NCCW encourage support for programs that assist families of victims and families of the convicted in finding spiritual, physical and emotional healing and forgiveness for the offender.